Location of project:Preferred: Lorain County, Ohio Other eligible locations: Counties in Colorado: Adams County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Clear Creek County, Denver County, Douglas County, Elbert County, Gilpin County, Jefferson County, Park County, Counties in Massachusetts: Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Yates County, New York, Counties in Ohio: Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Counties in South Carolina: Calhoun County, Fairfield County, Kershaw County, Lexington County, Richland County, Saluda CountyExpand all

Location of residency:Preferred: Lorain County, Ohio Other eligible locations: Counties in Colorado: Adams County, Arapahoe County, Broomfield County, Clear Creek County, Denver County, Douglas County, Elbert County, Gilpin County, Jefferson County, Park County, Counties in Massachusetts: Norfolk County, Plymouth County, Yates County, New York, Counties in Ohio: Cuyahoga County, Lorain County, Counties in South Carolina: Calhoun County, Fairfield County, Kershaw County, Lexington County, Richland County, Saluda CountyExpand all

Overview:

Grants are awarded in the following fields:

Arts and Culture

The Nord Family Foundation supports a variety of organizations through its Arts and Culture program area, in fields of theater and performing arts, visual arts, and music. Amidst this variety of art forms, there is an underlying theme and priority for programs that engage children and youth, particularly those who may otherwise have limited access and exposure to the arts. We also provide significant operating support to arts organizations housed within the New Union Center for the Arts, a community venue that is owned and operated by the Foundation.

Civic Affairs

The Nord Family Foundation’s work in the Civic Affairs program area has an emphasis on the strengthening of communities and the economic empowerment of individuals. Much of our grantmaking supports community and economic development, commercial and neighborhood revitalization, workforce training, volunteerism/citizen engagement, and leadership development. The Civic Affairs program area also includes the Foundation’s capital grantmaking, comprising roughly 10% of our overall annual investments.

Education

Over its history, the Foundation has maintained a diverse portfolio of grants to public schools, charter schools and faith-based schools. We work closely with school leaders and teachers to learn from them what they think constitute quality teaching and learning for young people.

We discuss the outcomes at board meetings to see how our learning can be shared with others in the education community. The foundation seeks programs that are innovative and have the potential to be replicated in other regions we serve.

The foundation holds a particular place of honor for teachers and seeks to support opportunities for those with energy and love of their vocation. Aristotle once said, “Those who educate children well are more to be honored than they who produce them; for these only gave them life, those the art of living well.” It is our intention to continue to explore new opportunities in this program area.

Health and Social Services

In the Health and Social Services program area, The Nord Family Foundation funds organizations and programs that address a wide range of human needs and aspirations, serving people of all ages. Consistent with the Foundation’s mission, there is a core value of service to the disadvantaged, ensuring access to basic services that support the overall well-being of children, youth and families. Within this broad spectrum there is an emphasis on funding for basic needs such as food and shelter, as well as early care and education, child welfare, youth services, and access to health care.

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Eligibility:

The Nord Family Foundation grants to non-profit organizations qualified under Section 501 c 3 of the Internal Revenue Code and to selected public sector activities.

The Nord Family Foundation’s primary area of geographic interest is Lorain County, Ohio.

The majority of grants are made to organizations in Lorain County or to organizations doing work that have direct outreach to or impact in Lorain County.

Grants are also made on a selective basis to organizations in areas where voting members of the Foundation reside. These currently include

Boston, MA;

Columbia, SC;

Cuyahoga County, OH;

Denver, CO; and

Penn Yan, NY.

Most grants are made for program related activities, with some grants to support capital improvements and capital campaigns when special criteria are met.

Grants are occasionally made for capital purposes when specific criteria are met:

The organization requesting support clearly serves a disadvantaged population.

In instances where the Foundation’s support is likely to leverage much greater giving from other community sources such as government, corporations, individuals and other foundations.

Where it is clear that an effective local campaign, involving extensive citizen participation and grassroots leadership has been or will be mounted.

Note: Program grants, which include requests for capital items such as furniture, computers, video recorders, etc., are not included within this general policy.

Preferences:

Projects that are directed at the root causes of social problems are of special interest.

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